[HQTheodore]

In the notes above the sutta it says:

"It's important to note that in this sutta, the Buddha is using "Union with Brahma̅" as a metaphor for Nibbana - a point missed by the mainstream Theravadan tradition as well as by early translators. "

Hi

That is not the case to me because the sutta only instructs to the first jhana and then cultivation of the four brahma viharas from the first jhana.

I must disagree with both Richard Gombrich and Leigh Brasington that "Union with Brahma" is a metaphor for Nibbana.

That the sutta ends in the following way demonstrates "Union with Brahma" is not a metaphor for Nibbana:
...the Bhikkhu who is free from household cares should after death, at the break up of the body, become united with Brahma, who is, the same -- such a thing is in every way possible! If "Union with Brahma" was a metaphor for Nibbana, then union with Brahma "after death" could not occur.

To me, the sutta simply demonstrates how the Buddha offered teachings according to the dispositions & wishes of others. It is incorrect for us to hold such teachings are the core teachings of the Buddha. They are merely the Buddha answering to the aspirations of others.

When we study the suttas, we will find many rebirth teachings are the same, where Buddha provides answers that accord to the questions, predispositions, pre-existing beliefs & wishes of others.